Essie Mae Harlan, 80, Wabash, died at 1:37 p.m., Saturday, March 29, at her home. She was born Oct. 9, 1933 in Paintsville, Ky. to George and Eula Mae (Boyd) Banks.

Essie married Bedford R. Harlan in Wabash, in 1951; he died Aug. 3, 1995. She retired from General Tire in Wabash in 1972. She enjoyed playing bingo at the Elks, going to the casino, cooking and cleaning her house. She was a recording artist, producing four albums, until she made the decision to stay home and raise her children. She enjoyed karaoke singing, where she met her companion of nine years, Wally Baker, Wabash. She especially enjoyed spending time with her kids and grandkids.